The pastor of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Dover has resigned to attend to a 25-year-old legal matter, the Paterson Diocese announced in a four-sentence statement. The diocese did not describe the matter further. Parishioners learned of the departure of the pastor, Msgr. Ronald Tully, during weekend services, but were not told the reason, The Daily Record of Parsippany reported yesterday. The diocese said: "Monsignor Ronald Tully was required to resign as pastor due to a legal matter dating back some 25 years. That matter has resurfaced and is going to require his full attention." The diocese would not say if the monsignor could continue as a priest. The Rev. Joseph Farias will replace him, the statement said.